Jim Stillman
Nevar
The 2008 Election – Part II
January 5th 2008 17:16
On August 19th of last year, I wrote
In about 14 months and a week or so, on November 4, 2008, I will go to the First United Methodist Church of Lutz, just west of the Public Library, enter the polling place designated for Precinct 591, and participate in the choosing of those men and women who assert they will perform with honesty, honor and courage.
At that time, I suggested that there were three possible nominees for the Democrat party: Senators Clinton, Obama and Edwards. I felt, at the time, that the probable choice would be the determined by the negative feelings toward Hillary Clinton and possible prejudice against a Black candidate and that John Edwards would be the best choice.
I am pleased that the results from Iowa, with a population predominately older, conservative and White, indicate that I have misjudged the attitudes with regard to race in this country. I sincerely hope that this is the case.
I still feel that Senator Clinton, with an experienced staff and more than enough money in the campaign bank, will not be the nominee of her party. The reason is the new catch word: “change”.
What is “change”, that thing said to be desired by the American people? Surely it means more than just a few new faces or a new occupant in the White House. George Bush’s approval ratings are in the cellar, but so are the ratings of the new Democrat controlled Congress. (I realize that the substantial and unified Republican minority in both Houses, but in particular in the Senate, has prevented many Democrat initiatives – but that is somewhat an excuse for a failure to act decisively to end the Iraqi war by pressuring the Iraqi national government to resolve its internal problems, to enact meaningful health reforms and so forth.)
I submit that “change” means a fresh outlook on that which must be done. The next president must lead, must insist on a more equitable tax system, universal health care, better educational opportunities for all children, a realistic foreign policy. Senator Obama calls this a policy of hope. Senator Edwards is also a candidate of Change, perhaps with a more populist tinge. John Edwards, however, may not have the financial resources behind him.
There has been a charge by Senator Clinton that Obama does not have the requisite experience to be president.
A while ago, a man ran for President with no executive or foreign experience. He had been a state legislator with no outstanding record of accomplishments. He had been a member of Congress for one term. And, in spite of the lack of real experience, Abraham Lincoln made a good, if not great, President! On the other hand, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George Bush were governors of their respective states and both Republicans and Democrats will find problems with their presidencies.
As noted, I am pleased and encouraged by the Iowa results; the New Hampshire primary will be very illustrative. As of now, I would gladly and proudly cast my vote for any of the three front-runners, but I have a hope that I will be able to vote for Barack Obama in November at Precinct 591 in Lutz!
In about 14 months and a week or so, on November 4, 2008, I will go to the First United Methodist Church of Lutz, just west of the Public Library, enter the polling place designated for Precinct 591, and participate in the choosing of those men and women who assert they will perform with honesty, honor and courage.
At that time, I suggested that there were three possible nominees for the Democrat party: Senators Clinton, Obama and Edwards. I felt, at the time, that the probable choice would be the determined by the negative feelings toward Hillary Clinton and possible prejudice against a Black candidate and that John Edwards would be the best choice.
I am pleased that the results from Iowa, with a population predominately older, conservative and White, indicate that I have misjudged the attitudes with regard to race in this country. I sincerely hope that this is the case.
I still feel that Senator Clinton, with an experienced staff and more than enough money in the campaign bank, will not be the nominee of her party. The reason is the new catch word: “change”.
What is “change”, that thing said to be desired by the American people? Surely it means more than just a few new faces or a new occupant in the White House. George Bush’s approval ratings are in the cellar, but so are the ratings of the new Democrat controlled Congress. (I realize that the substantial and unified Republican minority in both Houses, but in particular in the Senate, has prevented many Democrat initiatives – but that is somewhat an excuse for a failure to act decisively to end the Iraqi war by pressuring the Iraqi national government to resolve its internal problems, to enact meaningful health reforms and so forth.)
I submit that “change” means a fresh outlook on that which must be done. The next president must lead, must insist on a more equitable tax system, universal health care, better educational opportunities for all children, a realistic foreign policy. Senator Obama calls this a policy of hope. Senator Edwards is also a candidate of Change, perhaps with a more populist tinge. John Edwards, however, may not have the financial resources behind him.
There has been a charge by Senator Clinton that Obama does not have the requisite experience to be president.
A while ago, a man ran for President with no executive or foreign experience. He had been a state legislator with no outstanding record of accomplishments. He had been a member of Congress for one term. And, in spite of the lack of real experience, Abraham Lincoln made a good, if not great, President! On the other hand, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George Bush were governors of their respective states and both Republicans and Democrats will find problems with their presidencies.
As noted, I am pleased and encouraged by the Iowa results; the New Hampshire primary will be very illustrative. As of now, I would gladly and proudly cast my vote for any of the three front-runners, but I have a hope that I will be able to vote for Barack Obama in November at Precinct 591 in Lutz!
| 70 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Also I think the whole notion that the US is prejudiced against blacks or women is inaccurate. I really think the world as a whole has moved on from the dark ages and now it's no longer about colour sex or race but performance. We all know how ridiculous someone will look if they try to bring race or religion into the picture (conservatives trying to shootdown keith ellison for being a muslim is a prime example) and I don't think it's because we're all smiling through the teeth and are trying to be politically correct.